Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.
"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 such distractions."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled considerable talk 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 replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
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 further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.
