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

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

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

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 speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.