Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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 fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
