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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking 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, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs 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 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 have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent statement come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "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 stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.