Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a 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 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain After Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.