Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 for several more years. And my focus, 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
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 press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
