🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting 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 ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager 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 different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain 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, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: 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 publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting 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 ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager 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 different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain 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, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: 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 publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.