Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk 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, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain Following Previous Comments
Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager 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 building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.
