🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "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 stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on 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 not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "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 stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.