Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement 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 building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.