Blues Manager Maresca Dismisses Manchester City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a possible extension option.

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

He went on to explain, "First of all, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I have stated many times, is just about this club and I'm honoured to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are scheduled to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Strain Following Previous Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a recent 48-hour period as his most difficult since joining Chelsea.

Those initial remarks had fueled considerable speculation of a potential rift between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy.

When pressed if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's leadership, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the Everton press conference, no."

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

In more positive news, Maresca revealed that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could return ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa later this month.

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

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

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could undermine what has up to now been a decent start to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the league, have reached the Carabao Cup last four, and can achieve a better European draw with strong results in their remaining games.

The lingering question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might eventually disrupt a team that was beginning to appear cohesive.