Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated 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.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.