🔗 Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about 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, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists 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 offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an coach to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option. "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 these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about 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, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no." The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team". In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Perspective: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists 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 offered, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign. Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games. The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.