Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.