Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain After Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, 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 publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
