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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh 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 at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about 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 bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

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

Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.