Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't bother 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 until 2029. And my attention, 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 Juventus in Italy. 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 fixture.

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good performances in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.