Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "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 until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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 fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
