Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 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 lunchtime fixture.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely stay 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 be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final matches.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.