🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.