🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 solely on this club and I'm very proud 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed 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. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 solely on this club and I'm very proud 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed 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. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.