🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding 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 possible extra year option. "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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived 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 matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding 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 possible extra year option. "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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived 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 matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.