Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting 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 next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach 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 building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
