Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
