🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "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 said 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "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 said 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 without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Strain After Previous Remarks Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.