Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches.

The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.