🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect 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 further elaborated, Primarily, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available 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 unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect 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 further elaborated, Primarily, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available 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 unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.