🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "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, "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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans 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, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "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, "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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans 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, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.