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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it 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.

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games.

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