Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting 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, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, 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 no time for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it 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 fixture.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.
