Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't bother 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 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.