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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk 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 speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential 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 no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. 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 on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their final matches.

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