🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue 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 matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue 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 matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.