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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs 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 no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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

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

The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to appear settled.