Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

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

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Strain Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager 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 speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.