Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Previous Comments
Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.