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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk 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, responded to the persistent speculation about his future.

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

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud 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, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

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

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

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

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

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 Champions League draw with good performances in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.