🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.