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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss 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 100% speculation," 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 focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. 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 on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.