Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly 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 create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
