Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent reports linking 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 future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"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 further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. 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 Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.

Tensions After Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

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

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, potentially available for a match 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 still cause concern.

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has grown notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a promising beginning to the season.

Chelsea's sporting position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a favourable European draw with good 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 appear cohesive.