Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking 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 in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 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 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured 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, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.