🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager 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 attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Recent Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager 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 attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.