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

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

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

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

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged 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, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their final games.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.