Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, 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 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 solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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 statement come in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential 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 building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing 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 fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining games.

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