Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' 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, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.

"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, "First of all, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach 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 building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

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

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.