Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible 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 little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.