🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, 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 extension option. "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 such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "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 definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, 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 extension option. "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 such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "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 definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.