Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.