Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
