🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach 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 speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach 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 speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.