Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.