Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running 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 little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach 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 facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good results in their final games.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.