🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it 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 fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. 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 post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it 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 fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. 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 post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.