Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent 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 surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 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 completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. 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 on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled 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 leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their remaining games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.