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

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

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

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year option.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time 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 speculation. 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, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments come after he described a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible 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 speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution offered, leaving the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these press conferences has grown notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League draw with strong results in their final games.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.