🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk 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 persistent 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 affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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 fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect 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 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 persistent 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 affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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 fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.