Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option.
"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 until 2029. And my focus, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
