Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports 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 rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, 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 such distractions."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential 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 building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing 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: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.