Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent 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, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year 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 such distractions."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. 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.
Tensions Following Previous Comments
Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match 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 cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their final matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.