Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't bother 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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager 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 facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

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

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining matches.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.