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

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

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 just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to appear settled.