Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"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 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 just about 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 without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed 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 Everton media session, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.