Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't bother 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation 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 leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-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 revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
