Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect 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 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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked 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 Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good results in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
