Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken 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 however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans 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 match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
