Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation about his next move.

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

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "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 said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions After Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he referred to a recent two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the coach and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

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

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that still cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European position with good results in their remaining matches.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.