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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a potential extra year available.

"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 attention, 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.