🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation 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 replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation 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 replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.