🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed 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" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed 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" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.