Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his next move.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential extra year available.

"It doesn't bother me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, 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 honoured 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 Previous Comments

Maresca's most recent comments follow after he described a recent two-day spell as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial words had sparked widespread talk of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton media session, no."

The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club next season and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that injured forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return sooner than expected, potentially available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Analysis: Unresolved Tension

The apparent disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy 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, leaving the matter unaddressed.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become notably strained, raising concerns it could impact what has up to now 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 League Cup last four, and can secure a better Champions League position with strong performances in their remaining games.

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