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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't affect 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining games.

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