Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure 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 ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

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

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

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

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was just starting to look settled.