Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours 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 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no apology offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.