Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension 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 these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions After Previous Remarks

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

Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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 did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good results in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.