🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension 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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension 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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.