Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

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

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. 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.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

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

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, 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 revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

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

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.