Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 until 2029. 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.
