🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.