🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the 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 brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the 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 brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.