Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking 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 in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.