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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting 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 in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "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 have stated 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 ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

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

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still 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 unresolved.

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

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final matches.

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