Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting 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, addressed the persistent speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with strong results in their final matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.