Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running 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 said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.