Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"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 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 connected to 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 lunchtime fixture.
Strain Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked 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 press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good performances in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.