Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.
"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 further elaborated, "First of all, 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift 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 building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.