Chelsea Boss Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

Chelsea head coach 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 right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing rumours surrounding his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in June 2024, is under contract running until 2029, with a possible extra year available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca stated. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's speculation. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

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

Strain After Previous Comments

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

Those original words had sparked widespread talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had discussed matters with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same facility, so we speak about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

The Italian did confirm he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to keep backing the team".

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

Perspective: Unresolved Tension

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no further escalation of the situation in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during these media briefings has become notably strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the league, have qualified for the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and can secure a better European draw with strong results in their final games.

The prevailing question is whether this off-field situation might eventually affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.