🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.