Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing 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 perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

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

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.