Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking 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, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked 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 post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.