Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent 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 in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"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 such distractions."
He went on to explain, "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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.
The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their remaining games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
