Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh 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, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.