Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their final games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
