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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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 persistent rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"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 such distractions."

He further elaborated, "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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Previous Comments

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

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.