Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent 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 at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear settled.
