Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
