🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.