đŸ”— Share this article Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-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 injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
Enzo Maresca previously worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation". The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option. "It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true." Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture. Tensions After Previous Comments Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy. When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-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 injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed. The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season. Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final matches. The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.