Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

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

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their final matches.

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.