🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh 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, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension 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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh 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, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension 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 such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.