Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "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 until 2029. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Previous Comments
Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement 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 different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.