🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects 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 labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect 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 attention, I said many times, is solely on 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team 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 labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect 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 attention, I said many times, is solely on 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.