🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports 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, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports 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, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.