Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a return to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

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

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their final games.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.