Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "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 have stated 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "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 definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong results in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
