🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, 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 such distractions." 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager 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 speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay 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 return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, 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 such distractions." 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager 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 speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay 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 return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.