Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential 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 little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.