🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.