Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, 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 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed 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 media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
