Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.