Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent 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, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

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 no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about 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 don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" 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 sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their remaining matches.

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