Blues Manager Maresca Rejects 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 Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't bother 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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

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

Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with good performances in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.