Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He went on to explain, "First of all, 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 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 not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.
