Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain After Recent Comments

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

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

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

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look settled.