Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting 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 persistent rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on 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 without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Comments

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

Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.