Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Previous Comments
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach 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 building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain 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 also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.
