Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 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 not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Previous Comments
Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains 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 mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their final matches.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.