🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.