Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, 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 little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.

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

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

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.