🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.