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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs until 2029, with a possible extension option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 said 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 linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it 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 12:30 GMT fixture.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, 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 more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.