Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager 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 indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
