Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't affect 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 went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.