Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't bother 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 went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated 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 Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial 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 Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "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 "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
