Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, 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 no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked 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 post-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 more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
