Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
