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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

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

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't bother 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 until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud 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 without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

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

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

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

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.