Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

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

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "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 "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining games.

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