🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.