Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 very proud 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, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
