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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

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

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain Following Recent Comments

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

Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their final matches.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.