🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm 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 ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm 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 ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.