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

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

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

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

The mood during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.