🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, 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 little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, 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 little room for these kind of things." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Recent Comments Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.