Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.