Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a 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 said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
