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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain Following Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: 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 in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement 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 beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.