🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.