Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining 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 since spoken with the Chelsea'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 manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.