Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk 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 in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. 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 lunchtime fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay 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, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their remaining matches.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.