🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension 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 went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it 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 lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension 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 went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it 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 lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.