Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent 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 at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible 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 such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.