Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour

Chelsea head coach 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "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 until 2029. 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, 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 called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final games.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.