Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach 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, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
