Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.
