Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room 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 just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans 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, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.
