Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting 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 persistent rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "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 for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.