Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return 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 speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under 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 stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, 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 very proud 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 this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed 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.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
