🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled 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 sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled 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 sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.