Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting 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, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it 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 Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers 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 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 also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.