Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking 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 in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"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 these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it 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 lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters 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 Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final games.

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