Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. 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 on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
