Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking 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 speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't bother 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 went on to explain, 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to 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 Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their final matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.
