Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters 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 in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now 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 League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.