🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential 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 such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential 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 such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.