🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available 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 still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available 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 still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.