Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent 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, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.
