Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Speculation as '100%' Rumour

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has branded recent talk connecting him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay.

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing speculation about his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, 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 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 just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was connected to Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

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

Strain After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement follow in the wake of he described a recent 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked considerable talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

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

The Italian however affirmed he would definitely remain at the club next season and urged supporters to "continue to support the team".

In more positive news, Maresca indicated that sidelined attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

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 apology offered, creating the disagreement unaddressed.

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

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable European draw with good results in their remaining games.

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