🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud 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 Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud 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 Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.