Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. 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 on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm 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 injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
