🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed 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 stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation 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 speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed 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 stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation 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 speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.