Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated 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 perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
