Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"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 focus, I said 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 connected to 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 Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.