Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Tensions After Recent Comments
Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.
