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

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to 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 potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother 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 for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Strain After Recent Remarks

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

Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise 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 qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.