🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.