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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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 rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't bother 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 until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention 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 open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their final matches.

The lingering question is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look cohesive.