Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Strain Following Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent statement come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong performances in their remaining games.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.