Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent 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 in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, 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 such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread 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 replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain 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 matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final games.

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