Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting 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, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian 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 revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: 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 remaining matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
