Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer 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 right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension available.

"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, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 rumour. 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 fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

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

Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

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

Chelsea's sporting situation is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches.

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