Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.
"It doesn't bother 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 until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed 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 however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
