Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip
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 once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. 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 set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent 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 situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
