🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention 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 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager 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 indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention 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 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager 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 indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.