🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "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 such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged 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, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option. "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 such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged 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, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.