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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk 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 rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.

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