Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent 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 ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

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 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 fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "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 "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign 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, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.