Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.
"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 these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.