Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving 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 campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
