Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining games.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.
