🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension available. "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 such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, 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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension available. "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 such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, 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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.