Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't affect 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 for several more years. And my attention, I have stated 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed 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 injured attackers 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 persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

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

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.