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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, 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 rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

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

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.