π Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.