Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension 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 for several more years. And my focus, I have stated 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.
Tensions Following Recent Remarks
Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their remaining games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.
