🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field 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 performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field 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 performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.