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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension 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 further elaborated, Primarily, 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 very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern.

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

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European position with strong results in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.