Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Gossip
Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, 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 no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "First of all, 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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Recent Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.
When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final matches.
The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.