Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year 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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I have stated 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain Following Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably strained, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

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

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.