🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about 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 without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match 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 deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about 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 without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match 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 deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.