Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.
