Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports 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 ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year option.

"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 such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 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 set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.