Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 for several more years. 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 not true."

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

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.