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

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed fourth in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

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

In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, possibly available for a fixture against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

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 deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unaddressed.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a decent start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European position with good performances in their final games.

The lingering uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes dynamic might eventually affect a squad that was beginning to look cohesive.