Blues Boss 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 Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "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 focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

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

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to appear cohesive.