Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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 in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains 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 forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.