Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't bother 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 just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.