Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 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 set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain After Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with good results in their final games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
