Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option.

"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 such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Strain After Previous Comments

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

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

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

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

In more positive 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 later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

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

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.