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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

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

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room 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 said 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly 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 open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has grown increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.