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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

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

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

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

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.