Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
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 assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing 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 affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
