Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses 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 in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"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, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

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

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.