Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "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 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.
