Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
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 publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European 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 beginning to look cohesive.