Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on 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 in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters 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.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.