Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
