Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.
"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 for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
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 equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
