Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports connecting him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".

The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his next move.

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

"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 such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is solely on 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 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 most recent statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an open wound that still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good performances in their remaining matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a squad that was just starting to look settled.