Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't affect 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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position 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 come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk 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 the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

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

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

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.