Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting 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 ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 for several more years. 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their final matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.