Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension 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 said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League draw with strong performances in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.