Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled 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 right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," 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 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 connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

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

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good performances in their remaining matches.

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