Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking 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, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't affect 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
