🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking 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 rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking 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 rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.