🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board 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 resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board 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 resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.