🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of 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 pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of 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 pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.