🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.