Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "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 honoured 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 top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach 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 talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results 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.
