Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. 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 this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining matches.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.