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

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available.

"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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain After Recent Comments

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

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club'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 Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined 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 disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.