🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final matches. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.