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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option.

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

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

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

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

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

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

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European position with strong performances in their final matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.