Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 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 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 until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain Following Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
