🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.