🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect 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 focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect 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 focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.