Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option.
"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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now 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 semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.