Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.

"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 such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

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

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible 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 replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good performances in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.