🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.