🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded 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, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "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 attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded 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, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "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 attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.