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

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

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

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential 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 until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.