🔗 Share this article Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "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 until 2029. 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "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 until 2029. 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.