🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.