Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting 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, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain 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 return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.