Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Strain Following Previous Comments

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

Those initial words had fueled considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that still cause concern.

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

The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, raising fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining matches.

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