Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk 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, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't bother 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on 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, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
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 different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign 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 fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.
