Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect 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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
