Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting 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 ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
