Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"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, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken 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 manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent 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 equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears 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 league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.