Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation 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 remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.