Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk 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, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining 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 discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final matches.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.
