Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 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 scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

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

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

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their remaining games.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.