Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip
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 previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "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 said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect 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 equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their remaining games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
