🔗 Share this article Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an assistant 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 assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. 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 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea'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 Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant 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 assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future. 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 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture. Strain After Previous Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea'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 Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December. Perspective: An 'Open Wound' The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign. Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.