Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their final matches.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
