Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk 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 future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a 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 these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field 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 draw with strong results in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.