Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"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 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 in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement 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 however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.