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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports 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, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

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

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

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

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.