Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 linked with 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 Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.