Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He went on to explain, "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 very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it 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.
Strain Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
