Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running 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 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 said many times, is solely on 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.