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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.

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

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 honoured 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, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain Following Previous Remarks

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

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked 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 post-Everton press conference, no."

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

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their final matches.

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