🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension 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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, 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 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 without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team 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 recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension 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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, 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 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 without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.