Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains 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 unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.