Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier 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 uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.
