Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh 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 in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured 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 not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters 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, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.