Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager 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 said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain Following Recent Comments
Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their final matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.
