Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.
"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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final matches.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.