🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects 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 fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.