Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
