Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension 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 until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

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

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager 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 talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

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

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.