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

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

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager 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 facility, so we talk 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 called on the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these media briefings has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to appear settled.