Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting 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 future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent 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 situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
