🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.