Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation about his next move.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year option.
"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."
He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.
Strain After Recent Remarks
Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those initial remarks had fueled considerable talk of a possible rift 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 facility, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."
The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In more positive news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.
Analysis: Unresolved Tension
The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.
The mood during these press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with good results in their final matches.
The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.