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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk 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 in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential 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 these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come after 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 manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining matches.

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