Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk 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 about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "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 very proud 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, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their final matches.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.