🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential 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 focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation 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 recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential 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 focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.