Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.
