🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room 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 solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room 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 solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.