Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't bother 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 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

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

Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "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 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 in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.

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

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