Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extension option.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," 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 for several more years. And my attention, I said 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 without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged the fans to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League draw with good performances in their remaining games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to appear settled.