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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running 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 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 attention, I said many times, is just about 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

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

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season 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 ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

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

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good performances in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.