Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, named 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 bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original 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 club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
