🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, 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 no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. 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 supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, 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 no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions Following Previous Remarks Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. 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 supporters to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining games. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.