🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once 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 Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, 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 no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. 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 this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once 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 Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, 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 no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. 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 this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.