🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy 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 apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy 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 apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.