Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour

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

The Italian manager, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, addressed the persistent rumours surrounding his future.

Maresca, named Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract running through the end of the decade, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for such distractions."

He further elaborated, "First of all, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my focus, I said 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 ignore it because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, presently placed in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest comments follow in the wake of he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

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

The Italian did confirm he would definitely stay at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".

In brighter news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly in contention for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an open wound that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation publicly, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has become increasingly strained, leading to fears it could undermine what has up to now been a promising start to the season.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European position with strong results in their final matches.

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