🔗 Share this article Blues Boss 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 labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, 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 revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, 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 revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved. The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.