🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, 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 no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, 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 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, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, 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 no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, Primarily, 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 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, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.