Blues Boss Maresca Rejects 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 assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't affect 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 until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.