Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 attention, I have stated 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 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 lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

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

The atmosphere during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

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

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.