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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting 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 surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived 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 matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

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

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches.

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