Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match 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 continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning 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 results in their remaining matches.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.