đź”— Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention 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 kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention 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 kick-off. Strain Following Previous Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.