🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant 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, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant 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, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.