Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't affect 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists 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 forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.
