Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea'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 did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.
