🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 went on to explain, "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 speculation. 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, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach 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 facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 went on to explain, "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 speculation. 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, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach 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 facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.