🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh 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, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach 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 facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh 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, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach 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 facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.