🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.