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

Chelsea gaffer 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, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a 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 completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room 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 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager 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 facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" 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 return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain 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 situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.