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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

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

Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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 however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent 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 matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their final games.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.