đź”— 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 head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains 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, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option. "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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains 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, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.