Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, 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 little room for such distractions."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.
The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining games.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.
