Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach 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 at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't bother 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 until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support 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 later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.
