Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated 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 fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final matches.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.