🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.