Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh 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 at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
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 in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good performances in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
