Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded 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, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't bother 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, 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
