Chelsea Manager 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 Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

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

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention 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 lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

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

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.