Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a 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 said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board 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 apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
