Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "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 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 set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions After Previous Remarks
Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked 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 did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: Unresolved Tension
The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.
