🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.