🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.