Blues Boss 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 previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation 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 affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain Following Recent Comments

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

Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

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

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.