Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking 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, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Strain Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

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

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.