Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud 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 not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
