Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking 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 ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, 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 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 not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable 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 various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue 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 unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.