🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 linked with 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea'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 for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic 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 gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 linked with 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea'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 for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.