Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available.
"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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.