🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 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 this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 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 this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.