Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 little room for such distractions."
He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.
