Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking 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 at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth 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 latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
