Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Previous Comments

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

Those original words had sparked 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 responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

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

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their final matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.