Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

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

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud 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 top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

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

Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

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

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their final matches.

The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.