Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 little room for such distractions."
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 speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their final games.
The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.