Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain 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 sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
