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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "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 for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is solely on 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 without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain After Previous Remarks

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

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

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

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on 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, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.