Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available.
"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 such distractions."
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 very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to 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 set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club'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 manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers 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 perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.