🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about 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, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about 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, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.