Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential 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 no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.