🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.