Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach 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 facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.