Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain Following Recent Remarks

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

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

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

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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

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

The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.