Blues Boss Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as Pure Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extension available.

"It doesn't affect 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, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. 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 speculation. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is not true."

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

Tensions After Recent Comments

Maresca's most recent statement follow in the wake of he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled widespread speculation of a potential disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would definitely stay at the club next season and urged supporters to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent 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 publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during the manager's media briefings has grown notably awkward, leading to fears it could impact what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is positive: they are fourth in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their remaining matches.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might begin to affect a squad that was beginning to look settled.