đŸ”— Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.