Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach 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 in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about 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 without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good performances in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
