Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.