Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a 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 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 not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

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

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

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact 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 league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.