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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under 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 these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "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 very proud 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 not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.