Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 speculation. 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged 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, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.