Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong results in their final games.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
