Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

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 campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.