Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't affect 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager 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 facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their remaining games.

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