🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy 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 equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy 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 equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.