Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, 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 little room 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 attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.