Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "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 until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm honoured 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 not true."

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

Strain After Previous Remarks

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

Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

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

The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.