Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports 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 at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"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 such distractions."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, 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 persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
