🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension 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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 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 set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension 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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 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 set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.