🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect 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 also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect 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 also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.