Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 attention, I said 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
