🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as 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 Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as 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 Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.