🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible 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 little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible 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 little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.