Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent 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 potential extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, Primarily, 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.