Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer 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, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their final games.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.