Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.

"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 went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

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

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak 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 urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

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

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.