Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting 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 persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter 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 impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their final games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
