Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy 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 forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

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

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to disrupt a squad that was just starting to appear settled.