Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh 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 at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year 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 such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Tensions After Recent Comments

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

Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

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

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their remaining games.

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