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

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Tensions Following Recent Comments

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

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

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, 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 "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with good results in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.