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

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension available.

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

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud 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 without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong performances in their remaining matches.

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