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

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.

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

"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 focus, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.