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

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 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 no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement 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 talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain 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 publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.