Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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 at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Tensions After Previous Comments

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

Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed 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 Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.