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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports 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 persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running 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 no time for such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

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

Analysis: 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 deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good results in their remaining games.

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