🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension 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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension 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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.