🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "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 said 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 not true." 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. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, 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 definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "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 said 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 not true." 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. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, 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 definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.