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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year 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 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain Following Previous Comments

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

Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach 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 Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

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

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.