Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible 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 little room for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.