Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the persistent rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 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 stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Recent 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 words had sparked considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that still cause concern.

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

The mood during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their final matches.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to appear settled.