Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh 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 persistent speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.