Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.