🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support 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 fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: 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 strong performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support 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 fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: 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 strong performances in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.