Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"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 attention, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters 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, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
