Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to 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 lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
