🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure 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 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager 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 such distractions." He further elaborated, "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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning 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 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager 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 such distractions." He further elaborated, "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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.