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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 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 completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on 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 arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The Italian 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 indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.