Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Comments

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

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their remaining games.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.