Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports 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 persistent speculation about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 these kind of things."
He went on to explain, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, 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 persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good results in their final games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.