Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"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 such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

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

Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing 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 match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.