🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move 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 persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, 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 brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move 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 persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, 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 brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.