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

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

The 45-year-old, who once served as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, addressed the ongoing rumours about his next move.

Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in the summer of 2024, is under contract that runs through the end of the decade, with a potential 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 such distractions."

He went on to explain, Primarily, 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 a role in Italy with Juventus. So I don't pay attention because I know that is not true."

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the top flight, are scheduled to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a lunchtime fixture.

Tensions After Recent Remarks

Maresca's latest statement come after he referred to a previous 48-hour period as his "worst" since joining Chelsea.

Those original remarks had fueled considerable talk of a potential rift between the manager and the club's key decision-makers.

When asked if he had since spoken with the club's leadership, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about different things. But about the post-Everton media session, no."

The manager did confirm he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on the fans to "continue to support the team".

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

Perspective: An 'Open Wound'

The perceived strain between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern.

While there has been no deepening of the situation in the open, there has also been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unresolved.

The atmosphere during these media briefings has become notably strained, leading to concerns it could impact what has otherwise been a decent beginning to the season.

Chelsea's on-field position is strong: they are fourth in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can secure a favourable Champions League position with strong results in their remaining games.

The prevailing uncertainty is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look cohesive.