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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded 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 in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension 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 further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

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

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

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

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

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

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