Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
