Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about 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, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain Following Previous Comments
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 words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.