Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, appointed 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 affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured 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 in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

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

Those original words had fueled considerable speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk 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 urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, raising concerns it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong performances in their final matches.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look settled.