Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong performances in their remaining matches.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
