🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears 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 qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "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 these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears 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 qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.