Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain Following Previous Comments

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

Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong performances in their final matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look settled.