Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk connecting 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, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't bother 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 focus, I said 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 connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."
Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.
Strain After Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.
Those original remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The Italian did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Analysis: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.
The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good results in their final games.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.
