🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother 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 focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift 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 speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother 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 focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift 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 speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.