🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.