🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year 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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager 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 building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's 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 league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year 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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager 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 building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's 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 league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.