Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 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 no time 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 said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

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

Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during these press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

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

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