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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

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

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

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 honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea'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 Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially 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 persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their final matches.

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