🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, 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 no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined 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 perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, 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 no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined 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 perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.