Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension 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 such distractions."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager 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 building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, 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 indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.