Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
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 once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, 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 unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
