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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

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

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look settled.