Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
