Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled widespread talk 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 replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.