Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.
"It doesn't bother 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 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain 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 publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.
