🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters 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 Italian however affirmed 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 be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters 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 Italian however affirmed 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 be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.