Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea head coach 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 at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible 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 no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

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

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

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 deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their remaining games.

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