Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't bother 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
