Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 until 2029. 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 without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain After Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on 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, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating 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 beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
