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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports 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 at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "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 for several more years. And my focus, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain Following Recent Comments

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

Those initial words 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 leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined 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 apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

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

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good results in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.