🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. 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 Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. 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 Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining matches. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.