🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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 persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with good results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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 persistent speculation surrounding his future. Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off. Tensions Following Previous Comments Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no." The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease. While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with good results in their final matches. The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.