🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year 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 such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on 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 not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club'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 however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year 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 such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on 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 not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club'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 however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.