Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move 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 ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.
Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 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 said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."
He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain After Previous Remarks
Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".
In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.
While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.
The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.
Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their final games.
The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.