Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't bother 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 linked with 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 this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
