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

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

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

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year 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 such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.