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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

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

Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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 post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

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

The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.