Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't affect 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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on 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 without foundation."

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

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.