Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible 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 such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.
