Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Strain After Recent Remarks

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

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

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

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

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

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.