Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour
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 assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't bother 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 for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially 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 deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good performances in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
