🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "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 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 just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect 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 situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "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 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 just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect 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 situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.