Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach 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 assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.