🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports 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 speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports 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 speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.