Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm 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 attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their final matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.