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

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't bother 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, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention 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 Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.