Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement 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 facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent 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 matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly 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 in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.
