Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.
"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 such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their final matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.
