Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 attention, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Previous Remarks
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 widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with good performances in their final games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
