Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Man City Links as '100%' Gossip

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

The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man in Manchester, responded to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea manager in the summer of 2024, has a contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a possible extension available.

"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."

He went on to explain, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my attention, 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 linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off.

Strain After Recent Comments

Maresca's latest statement follow after he described a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.

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

When asked if he had since spoken with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton press conference, no."

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

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the Chelsea board remains as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.

While there has been no deepening of the situation publicly, there has equally been no apology offered, leaving the disagreement unresolved.

The mood during the manager's press conferences has become notably awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent beginning to the campaign.

Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup last four, and can secure a better European draw with good performances in their remaining games.

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