🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager 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 facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated 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: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager 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 facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated 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: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.