Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester 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 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect 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 for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on 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, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.