Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.

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

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea'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 did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.