Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed 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 possible extra year available.
"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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "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" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
