Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked 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 talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
