Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach 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 speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.