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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available.

"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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

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

Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

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

The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final games.

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