Blues Boss Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure 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 assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing rumours surrounding his future.

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

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, 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 fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain After Recent Comments

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

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

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 different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived 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 matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to look cohesive.