Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking 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 about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.