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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

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

The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.