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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports 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 ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. 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, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

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

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.