Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: 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 further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.