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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.