Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it 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 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their remaining games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.