Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as Pure Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move.

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

"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 these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "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 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, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

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

Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with strong results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.