Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option.
"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, 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their remaining matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.