Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk linking 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 persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

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

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. 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 lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Recent Remarks

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

Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.