Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "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 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked widespread 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 various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.