π Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.