Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as Pure Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Tensions After Previous Comments

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

Those initial words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to keep backing the team".

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back sooner than expected, potentially in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

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

While there has been no further escalation of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology offered, creating the matter unresolved.

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

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their final games.

The lingering question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a team that was just starting to look settled.