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

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.

"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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention 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 kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift 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 definitely stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect 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 apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

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

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.