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

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

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

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

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 press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged 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, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

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

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

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.