Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports 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 at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option.
"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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
