🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about 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 top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about 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 top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.