Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking 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 at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising 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 last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.