🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under 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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect 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 recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under 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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.