Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man 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 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

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

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise 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 League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining matches.

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