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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.

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

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about 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 on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.