🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.