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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't affect 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 went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent 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 matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with good results in their final games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.