Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.