Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.