Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting 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, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't affect 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final matches.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
