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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.