Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, 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 "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent 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 matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
