Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured 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 without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's latest statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

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

The mood during these press conferences has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

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

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.