Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has branded fresh talk connecting 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 persistent speculation about his next move.

Maresca, named 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 stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The apparent strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better Champions League position with good performances in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was just starting to appear settled.