đ Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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 fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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 fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.