Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip
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 previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 no time 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 solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
