Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
