Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "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 focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation 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 talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter 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.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
