Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain 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 sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
