Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager 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 building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
