Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking 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 speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "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 until 2029. 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 without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain Following Previous Remarks

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

Those original words had fueled considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better Champions League draw with good results in their final matches.

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