Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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 next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

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

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

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

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.