Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach 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 right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their remaining games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.