Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension 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 such distractions."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "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 next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
