Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, 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 such distractions."
He went on to explain, "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 speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
