Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting 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 speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
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 very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention 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 come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board 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 equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final games.
The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
