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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent 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 at the Etihad, responded to 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 potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

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

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.