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

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled recent reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his next move.

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

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Recent Remarks

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

Those original words had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during these press conferences has become increasingly awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their final matches.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field situation might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to appear cohesive.