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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't affect 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 attention, 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Tensions Following Previous Comments

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

Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.

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

The mood during these media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.