🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach 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, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs 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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow 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 potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach 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, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs 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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow 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 potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.