Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running 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 said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.
