Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't bother 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, Primarily, 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked considerable talk 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 replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.