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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh 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 in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Strain Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

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

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their final matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.