Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour

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

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

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential 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 little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 not true."

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

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.

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

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

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.