Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't bother 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 until 2029. And my attention, 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 not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong results in their final games.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.
