Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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 surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about 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 without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: 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 further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.