Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.
