🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.