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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent rumours about his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't bother 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 went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable speculation of a possible disagreement 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 different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The mood during these press conferences has grown notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with good performances in their final games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to appear cohesive.