Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their final games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
