Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking 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 next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a 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 these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian 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 revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: 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 further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
