Chelsea will be looking to make it three straight wins when they head to St James’ Park to take on a Newcastle side that has been slow out of the gates this season, but that’s not what Enzo Maresca was asked about on Friday morning.
Similar to the buildup to Cardiff, most of the attention is on the manager following more speculation about his future.
Enzo Maresca has been linked to Man City amid tensions with the Chelsea chiefs, which has all likely stemmed from his post-Everton outburst.
While he and the players will want to look only at the game ahead, his pre-match press conference went exactly how you would expect — focusing on the Italian’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca is one of Manchester City’s top candidates to replace Pep Guardiola
Enzo Maresca on Man City links and discussions at Chelsea
While the media present at Cobham did Maresca the courtesy of warming him up with a Christmas-themed question, it was then straight into the meat and potatoes.
Maresca was asked if he has spoken to the owners or sporting directors.
As Football London report, he said: “About Everton press conference? No. About different things? Yes, we are in the same building.”
An ambiguous response. The one he gave on Man City was a bit more clear.
As he remarked: “I know that it is 100% speculation and in this moment, there is no time for these things. I have a contract here until 2029 and my focus is about this club. I’m very proud to be here.
“It’s speculation. One week ago, it was the same with Juventus so I don’t pay attention.”
Football is fast-moving, and promises have to taken with a pinch of salt. That being said, Maresca made a pretty big one after being asked whether he would be at Chelsea next season.
He replied: “Absolutely, yes. I have a contract until 2029. It’s speculation, 100%. I don’t have nothing to add. I don’t pay attention.”
Unlike most people around Chelsea, the game at hand is all Maresca wants to discuss.
St. James’ Park has been a tough place for Chelsea to go
Chelsea leading the second pack in Premier League table
When you look at the standings as we approach the halfway mark in the season, it’s unbelievably tight in the top half.
Chelsea are in fourth with a five-point gap to Aston Villa ahead. There are plenty of sides behind that are nipping at the heels of the Blues.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  ArsenalArsenal | 16 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 30 | 10 | 20 | 36 |
| 2 |  Manchester CityManchester City | 16 | 11 | 1 | 4 | 38 | 16 | 22 | 34 |
| 3 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 16 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 25 | 17 | 8 | 33 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea | 16 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 27 | 15 | 12 | 28 |
| 5 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 20 | 15 | 5 | 26 |
| 6 |  Manchester UnitedManchester United | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 30 | 26 | 4 | 26 |
| 7 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 16 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 26 | 24 | 2 | 26 |
| 8 |  SunderlandSunderland | 16 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 19 | 17 | 2 | 26 |
Every Premier League match is important, but there is an added pressure with three teams behind who can pounce on any missed opportunity for points.
- READ MORE: Olivier Giroud thinks Enzo Maresca needs two more things to contend for a title with Chelsea
Newcastle might not be in the same hot form they showed last season, but they are still a quality side with a brilliant manager.
The point remains, nothing but three points at St James’ Park will do.
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