Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension 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 these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 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 set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

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

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.