🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent 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 in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent 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 in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.