Chelsea Boss Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, 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 little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off.

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow after he referred to a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a potential rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The apparent strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an open wound that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no resolution offered, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during these media briefings has become notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has otherwise been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a squad that was beginning to look settled.