Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting 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, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club'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 however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on 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 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 matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

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

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.