Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Speculation as Pure Rumour

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 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 completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

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 honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain Following Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent statement come after he described a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans 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, possibly in contention for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month.

Analysis: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that still create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no resolution forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's press conferences has grown increasingly awkward, raising concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's sporting position is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European position with good results in their final games.

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