Chelsea 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 nothing but hearsay.

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "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 honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain After Previous Remarks

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

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The manager did confirm he would definitely 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 be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their final matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to look cohesive.