đ Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions." He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: An 'Open Wound' The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches. The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.