Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 persistent rumours about his future.

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

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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 post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine 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 Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.