Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports 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 at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Previous Comments
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
