'That is 100% speculation' – Maresca rubbishes Man City managerial links

Enzo Maresca dismissed reports of him returning to Manchester City as "100% speculation" ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash with Newcastle United this weekend. 

Maresca initially joined the Citizens in 2020 before becoming Pep Guardiola's assistant at the club in June 2022, replacing Juanma Lillo, who became manager of Al-Sadd. 

The Italian put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Blues in June 2024, and led the club to the Conference League and Club World Cup titles in just over a year. 

However, it was reported earlier this week that Maresca was one of the candidates to replace Guardiola at City, should the Spaniard decide to leave at the end of the season. 

"It doesn't affect me because I know it is 100% speculation and I don't have time for these things," Maresca told reporters. 

"I have a contract here until 2029. My focus is just on this club, and I am proud to be here. One week ago in Italy, it was the same with Juventus. I don't pay attention to it.

"It's important to understand why this news was there, but it is just speculation. The Newcastle game is important and very difficult."

His comments come following Chelsea's 2-0 win over Everton last weekend when Maresca said he had experienced "the worst 48 hours" of his tenure at Stamford Bridge. 

Maresca's outburst sparked talk of a rift between the manager and controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, along with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

"Absolutely, yes," Maresca added when he was asked whether he would be the Chelsea manager next season.

"I have a contract until 2029. It's speculation, 100%. I don't have nothing to add. I don't pay attention."

But looking ahead to their trip to St. James' Park, Maresca said that Liam Delap is nearing a return after missing wins over Everton and Cardiff City in the EFL Cup through injury. 

Dario Essugo and Estevao could also feature for the Blues in their next league clash with Aston Villa, but Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill remain further away in their rehabilitation.

"We are good. The ones that we left out for Cardiff are okay," Maresca added.

"Liam Delap and Dario Essugo are probably available for Aston Villa and Romeo [Lavia] is still out, Levi [Colwill] is still out."

Maresca also believes his team are in for a tough test against Eddie Howe's side, who booked their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Brentford in midweek. 

Newcastle have won their last three top-flight home games against Chelsea, last winning more consecutively against them at St James’ Park between 1994 and 1998 (four).

"For me, it's always difficult. Night or day, they are a very good team," Maresca said. "Their manager is fantastic and has done a fantastic job for years."