Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager 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 building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board 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, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.