Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

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

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

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"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 went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain Following Previous Comments

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

Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager 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 facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

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

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.