Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager 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 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 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

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

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

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

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches.

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