🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain Following Recent Remarks Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved. The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their final games. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.