Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't bother 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 went on to explain, "First of all, 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.