🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation 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 potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation 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 potential extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.