Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports 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, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding 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 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 until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
