Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' 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 right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room 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 solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest statement come after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards 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 remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.
