Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting 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, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.
"It doesn't bother 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud 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 top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain After Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.