Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the 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 keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.
