Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Tensions Following Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

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

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.