🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 went on to explain, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement 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 talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 went on to explain, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement 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 talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.