Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.

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

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed 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.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.