Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled widespread speculation 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 replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

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 in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.