🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.