Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about 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 without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed 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 sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with good performances in their final games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
