🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports 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 surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, 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 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports 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 surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, 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 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.