Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Previous 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 rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.
