🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother 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 went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt 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 branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother 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 went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.